CA Flagger Setup and Closure 2 ā Questions and Answers
Question 1: When setting up a temporary traffic control zone on a two-lane road, what is the correct order of device placement when working in the direction of traffic?
- Place devices starting at the work area and moving toward approaching traffic
- Place devices starting farthest from the work area and moving toward it (Correct answer)
- Place devices randomly as workers bring them out
- Place devices only after all workers are in position
Correct answer: Place devices starting farthest from the work area and moving toward it
Devices should be placed starting farthest from the work area (upstream) and working toward it so workers are protected by already-placed devices.
Question 2: During closure setup, what is the primary purpose of the advance warning area?
- To provide space for equipment storage
- To alert drivers that they are approaching a work zone and must adjust their behavior (Correct answer)
- To mark where flaggers must stand
- To separate opposing traffic lanes
Correct answer: To alert drivers that they are approaching a work zone and must adjust their behavior
The advance warning area alerts drivers to the upcoming work zone so they can reduce speed and prepare to merge or stop.
Question 3: What determines the minimum length of the transition area (taper) where lanes are closed?
- The number of workers in the work zone
- The posted speed limit and the width of the lane being closed (Correct answer)
- The type of cones available
- The time of day the closure is set up
Correct answer: The posted speed limit and the width of the lane being closed
Taper length is calculated using the posted speed limit and lane width, following the formula L = W Ć S (or W Ć SĀ²/60 for speeds under 45 mph).
Question 4: A flagger is assigned to set up cones for a lane closure. How far apart should cones typically be spaced in the taper section?
- 5 feet apart
- 20 feet apart
- Equal to the posted speed limit in feet (Correct answer)
- 100 feet apart
Correct answer: Equal to the posted speed limit in feet
In the taper, cones are typically spaced at a distance in feet equal to the posted speed limit (e.g., 45 mph = 45-foot spacing).
Question 5: When is it appropriate to begin the closure setup process on a high-speed highway?
- During peak traffic hours to maximize visibility
- During off-peak or low-traffic hours when possible, with proper approvals (Correct answer)
- Only at night regardless of traffic levels
- Whenever the supervisor gives the order, regardless of conditions
Correct answer: During off-peak or low-traffic hours when possible, with proper approvals
Closures on high-speed facilities should be set up during off-peak hours when possible to reduce exposure to high-speed traffic.
Question 6: What action should a flagger take if a road user drives through cones being placed during setup before the closure is complete?
- Chase the vehicle to warn the driver
- Stop placing cones and wait for traffic to clear
- Alert the supervisor and move to a safe position immediately (Correct answer)
- Ignore it and continue placing cones
Correct answer: Alert the supervisor and move to a safe position immediately
The flagger must move to a safe location immediately and alert the supervisor; personal safety always takes priority.
Question 7: Which component of a temporary traffic control zone is located immediately upstream of the work space?
- Buffer space (Correct answer)
- Advance warning area
- Termination area
- Transition area
Correct answer: Buffer space
The buffer space is a protected area immediately upstream of the work space that provides an extra margin of safety between traffic and workers.
CA Flagger Setup and Closure 2
When setting up a temporary traffic control zone on a two-lane road, what is the correct order of device placement when working in the direction of traffic?